Information on Oral Allergy Syndrome
Cross-reactivity Between Pollens and Fruits and Vegetables
Jul 29, 2009
Oral allergy syndrome can cause concern for people who are trying to maintain a healthy diet by consuming fresh fruits and vegetables. It is important to know which pollens may cause cross-reaction with which types of produce.
Oral Allergy Syndrome and the Symptoms
Oral allergy syndrome occurs when a person consumes fresh fruits or vegetables and a reaction occurs in the mouth area, causing itching, burning and swelling. Many people who have this condition also suffer from hay fever.
In some cases, the individual may experience a rash just from touching the fruit or vegetable. In other cases, the individual may have a severe reaction, which can include anaphylaxis. Reactions will usually occur within minutes of consuming the offending food, but can take up to an hour or more to develop.
These shared reactions between the pollens and certain fruits and vegetables occur because they have the same proteins.
Note: It is important to note that these reactions occur when the fruits and vegetables are fresh. They do not seem to have the same effect when they are cooked or canned, and for some people, even when they have been frozen.
Which Pollens are Associated with Which Fruits and Vegetables?
People who are affected by oral allergy syndrome may react to any type of produce, but certain pollens are more likely to cause a reaction to certain fruits or vegetables.
The following types of pollen are most closely associated with the given fruits and vegetables:
- Birch – apple, apricot, cherry, kiwi, nectarine, peach, pear, plum, prune, beans, carrot, celery, green pepper, lentils, parsley, parsnips, peanuts, peas, potato, tomato
- Grass – kiwi, melon, orange, tomato, watermelon
- Ragweed – banana, cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, cucumber, zucchini
This list should not be considered complete because research in this area is ongoing. However, it does include some of the most commonly associated foods and pollens. It is possible for other reactions to occur.
How to Treat Oral Allergy Syndrome
Oral allergy syndrome is treated like all other food allergy conditions. The offending foods must be identified and avoided. Food diaries, elimination diets and medical testing can help in this process.
The affected individual will also need to follow any medical advice on carrying antihistamine or epinephrine, depending on the severity of the condition.
People who suffer from oral allergy syndrome, and are concerned about quality of nutrition, will need to substitute safe fruits and vegetables to maintain adequate levels of nutrients.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical attention and supervision.
Sources:
Website: Canadian Food Inspection Agency, modified July 15, 2009. Visited July 24, 2009.
Barber, Marianne S. The Parent’s Guide to Food Allergies: Clear and Complete Advice from the Experts on Raising Your Food-allergic Child. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2001.
Walsh, William E. Food Allergies: The Complete Guide to Understanding and Relieving Your Food Allergies. New York: John Wiley & Son, Inc., 2000.
For other articles related to food allergies see Allergic or Sensitivity Reactions to MSG, Information About Seafood Allergies and Information About Milk Allergy.
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